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Climate Change in the Ohioan Mind

Most people in Ohio (70%) believe global warming is happening, while only 16% believe it is not.

Half (49%) believe that if global warming is happening, it is mostly due to human activities.

Of those who believe global warming is happening, large majorities say that it is already having an influence on the severity of heat waves (90%), droughts (88%), and flooding of rivers or lakes (87%) in Ohio.

Among those who believe climate change is happening, large majorities say that over the next 50 years, climate change will cause more heat waves (89%), worse storms (84%), declining numbers of fish and native wildlife (82%), droughts and water shortages (82%), increased allergies, asthma, infectious diseases, or other health problems (83%), and more power outages (78%) in the state.

A majority of Ohioans support government action at all levels: Congress (59%), President Obama (54%), Ohio’s state legislature (56%), Governor Kasich (54%), and local government officials (53%).

Even more say that corporations and industry (69%) and citizens themselves (65%) should be doing more to address climate change.

Ohioans still see global warming as a relatively distant threat. While 70% believe global warming will harm future generations of people and plant and animal species, only 35% believe it will harm them personally.

The report, Climate Change in the Ohioan Mind, includes findings about Ohioans’ climate change beliefs and attitudes, observations of climate impacts and extreme weather, support for climate and energy policies, personal actions to limit global warming, and communication about the issue.

Please note: The numbers cited above are corrected from the press release distributed Wednesday, September 18th and have been confirmed.